England goalkeeper agrees one-year deal at Ashton Gate

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Bristol City have secured the surprise signing of former Portsmouth goalkeeper David James on a one-year deal with an option for an additional 12 months.

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"I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football - which I love - for the right club and be a family man."
David JamesQuotes of the week

Skysports.com revealed on Thursday that the Championship Robins were close to completing the major coup of landing the England shot-stopper and the deal has now been confirmed.

Celtic and Sunderland had been interested in James, but the clubs dropped their pursuit because they could not reach an agreement with the soon-to-be 40-year-old.

It is understood that the ex-Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham and Manchester City No.1 wanted a one-year deal with an option to extend the terms, which, crucially, was on offer at Ashton Gate.

James passed a medical with Steve Coppell's side on Friday and his contract will become active on 1st August, allowing him to make his expected debut in City's season-opener against Millwall.

Ambition

The goalkeeper, who will be paraded at Ashton Gate on Saturday prior to City's pre-season friendly against Blackpool, said: "I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football - which I love - for the right club and be a family man.

"I had a long conversation with the chairman Steve Lansdown yesterday and I liked what he said about the club and his ambition. I know all about the plans for a new stadium and desire to win promotion to the Premier League.

"The club is ambitious and that's what I am. The South West has not had a club in the Premier League and that needs to change."

Lansdown was pleased to secure James for the club and added: "I'm delighted David James has agreed to sign today.

"My ambition is for this football club to play at the highest level - the Premier League - and in the best surroundings, hence the work on the training ground and new stadium.

"We need good quality players to make that happen and that's why I'm thrilled that David has agreed to come on board."